College Experience: A Benefit for Students

August 22, 2012

This is the second story/news release about how starting college can sometimes be harder than expected.

While most high school graduates anxiously wait for college to begin, when they arrive on campus, there may be a change of heart – even when they don’t travel very far.

Grace Gould, Spencer, stayed in her hometown as she began her college career. It seemed like a roller coaster ride.

“At first, I didn’t want to play or have anything to do with soccer after high school,” Gould said. But she decided to play because she didn’t have anything to lose.

And, an amazing thing happened.

“I found my love of the sport again,” she said.

Kelsey Nielsen, Spencer, loved the fact she got to stay close to home.

“I enjoyed being able to stay in my home town and be a part of starting the Iowa Lakes Women’s soccer program,” Nielson said.

Playing a sport in college can really help keep you on track.

“The many lessons I’ve learned have prepared me for my future,” she said.

Ellie Hoover, Spirit Lake, dared herself to excel at college soccer, after having played in several sports in high school.

“I chose to stick with soccer because it presented the greatest challenge for me and that is what I love,” Hoover said.

Another challenge for young athletes is having to move so far from home.

That was the case for Rebecca Berry from Layton, Utah.

“My experiences here at Iowa Lakes have been memorable, ones that I will never forget,” said Berry.

When student-athletes leave Iowa Lakes they are prepared for the future.

“I’ve learned lessons in life as well as on the field and I thank my teammates and coaches for everything that they have done for me,” she said.

Sophomore soccer students were honored at the last home game in 2011. Each student was asked to have someone – who was important in their life – to escort them onto the pitch as their stories were read to the crowd.